NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search

Laboratory investigation of the mass stability of sampling cassettes from inhalable aerosol samplers.

Smith-JP; Bartley-DL; Kennedy-ER

Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 1998 Aug; 59(8):582-585

http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15428119891010767

20023088

A study was conducted to evaluate the mass stability of the materials used in the construction of samplers with internal cassettes for the gravimetric measurement of inhalable aerosol exposures. The internal cassettes from IOM samplers were studied. Results indicate that the mass stability of filters is uniform, but the mass stability of the cassette material may dramatically affect the results of the measurement. Cassettes constructed from plastic exhibited drastic shifts in mass depending on the environmental conditions of their storage. Under room humidity, the plastic cassettes absorbed 1 to 2 mg of water over several days. When these cassettes were placed in a desiccator, they lost mass consistently but did not approach a stable mass. Studies repeated with cassettes made of stainless steel showed negligible mass variability. Based on this study, the use of stainless steel cassettes is recommended for gravimetric determinations of aerosol exposure, although field blanks may in some cases be used for correction of data from plastic cassettes. This study shows the need to evaluate the mass stability of the cassette material of any sampling device where an internal cassette is weighed together with the filter

Aerosol-sampling; Measurement-equipment; Aerosols; Filters; Sampling-equipment; Samplers

US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA

AIHAAP

19980801

Journal Article

1998

8

0002-8894

DPSE

Other Occupational Concerns

American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal

OH